abricot coco Launches Its First Vegan Bag Collection Made From Tea Waste

Berlin-based fashion label abricot coco is stepping into accessories with the launch of its first vegan bag collection. Known for timeless and consciously made womenswear, the brand is now bringing the same philosophy to handbags.

For its debut, abricot coco uses an innovative leather alternative made partly from recycled tea waste.

The collection introduces three everyday essentials: the small Selma shoulder bag, the playful Émie bucket bag and the Freja wallet, available in two sizes. In addition, each design comes in two understated shades, Black and Sesame.

From Tea Waste to Handbags

Instead of using animal leather, abricot coco turned to an alternative material made from recycled tea waste. The tea comes from Turkey’s Black Sea region and gives an agricultural by-product a new purpose.

The material consists of 35% tea, 35% recycled polyester and 30% bio-based polyurethane. Meanwhile, the lining is made from 100% recycled polyester.

Each piece is handcrafted in a small, family-run manufacture in Istanbul. As a result, the collection brings together alternative materials and traditional craftsmanship.

At the same time, functionality remains important. The bags are designed to offer the soft feel and durability associated with conventional leather while supporting the brand’s focus on longevity.

Designed Beyond Trends

For founders Paula Janz and Rebecca Spielberg, introducing bags was a natural next step for abricot coco. They wanted to create accessories that could complement the brand’s ready-to-wear collections without using animal leather.

This idea also follows the philosophy that has shaped the label from the beginning: creating pieces that can remain in a wardrobe beyond a single season or stage of life.

Founded in 2022, abricot coco grew from Janz and Spielberg’s own experiences during pregnancy. At the time, they struggled to find sustainable clothing that felt timeless rather than like conventional maternity wear.

Since then, the Berlin label has developed into a contemporary womenswear brand. Today, it creates versatile wardrobe essentials and works with small manufacturers in Latvia, Portugal, Greece and Turkey.

With its first bag collection, abricot coco now takes its vision beyond clothing. The result combines timeless everyday accessories with a more experimental approach to materials.

The vegan collection starts at €89 for the Freja Small Wallet. The Freja Big Wallet is priced at €139, followed by the Selma Shoulder Bag at €189 and the Émie Bucket Bag at €219.